Transportes Insulares de Tenerife SA (Titsa), a company dependent on the council, calculates that the 50% reduction in the public transport rate from next September 1 will increase the regular use of buses and trams on the Island by between 10% and 15%. There will be 10,000 to 15,000 more passengers each month. The projection only takes into account the 50,000 passengers who travel regularly with the discount. The bonus will go from 38 to 19 euros in cost in the generic category, that of the Canarian resident.
The insular president, Pedro Martín, points out: “This is a measure that has never been adopted before” and values the initiative of the Government of Spain “to help alleviate family finances and help groups such as young people, the elderly and people with disabilities.”
The island councilor for Mobility, Enrique Arriaga, for his part, recalls that “users of the different subscriptions do not have to carry out any procedures” to take advantage of this subsidy in which the receipt for young people, the elderly and for the disabled It goes on to cost 15 euros from the current 30.
From next September 1, the Cabildo The 50% discount on the rates announced by the Government of Spain will apply in Tenerife. In addition to the prices already specified, it is worth as an example that the five journeys on the tram will be paid at 2.50 euros.
It should be remembered that today a trip without a bus voucher costs 1.25 euros on the urban lines of the capital of Tenerife. By tram, from the Santa Cruz Interchange to Trinidad Avenue, the price is 1.35. In both cases, paying by mobile phone or credit card is equivalent to a discount. If it is done with the Ten+ card, it is worth 0.75 in Titsa and 1.05 in Metrotenerife (Metropolitan). An average close to 50,000 subscribers use public transport in Tenerife every month. The young subscription is the most used with 30,687 applicants.
novel measure
The island president, Pedro Martín, highlights that it is a novel measure that, in addition, rewards “those who regularly use public transport and encourages other people who do not to encourage themselves to do so.” He adds that “the Cabildo, despite the rise in fuel prices, which has led to an increase in public transport, has kept rates frozen to avoid charging users with these extra costs.”
Martín emphasizes: «Now this very important descent for passengers is underway, the first time in the Canary Islands and Tenerife, which will also be a boost for more and more people to become regular users of buses and trams».
The initial commitment of the Cabildo Tenerife, after the state announcement of the drop in rates, initially reached 34% with two premises: promote public transport and discourage the use of private vehicles. That would mean going from the current 38 euros to 25. Now, if that 50% discount announced by the Sánchez government is fulfilled, it will be possible to go around the island – and more than once in thirty days – just by paying 19 to month. It would be better for free, as will happen on the suburban trains of the Peninsula, but it is an opportunity to save. And to open the way to a change of mentality.
Beyond December 31
The Island Councilor for Mobility and also Vice President of the council, Enrique Arriaga (Citizens), explains that “the reduction in public transport fares will be applied to regular users, through the different monthly subscriptions available in the island’s network system.” He adds that travelers, to benefit from the discount, will only have to maintain the acquisition and renewal of their season ticket on a regular basis, just as they did until now. Arriaga summarizes: “With this reduction in fares, on the one hand, public transport is made easier and cheaper for the most frequent passengers on the Titsa lines, such as students and the working middle class who use public transport to go to their study center or daily work”.
On the other hand, he values, “we are sure that it will allow the addition of new users who until now traveled by private vehicle.” Enrique Arriaga asks for “collaboration from the regional government so that it contributes enough to allow the 50% aid to be maintained for users of public transport beyond December 31.” If this is not the case, the Cabildo de Tenerife has already enabled an item of ten million euros that will serve to maintain the promised reduction in rates by 34%; that is, in the Canarian resident bonus, the most widespread among the population of the Island, going from the current 38 euros to 25. “Now more than ever, all administrations must set an example and pitch in,” insists the counselor for the Mobility and Roads areas to conclude
